An insider described the recasting of EastEnders original Michelle as a curveball designed to prove that the soap "still keeps viewers on the edge of their seats".

An EastEnders spokesperson would only say: "Viewers can expect a lot of surprises this Christmas, but we don't comment on future storylines as this will spoil the enjoyment."

Jenna Russell is a veteran of the Royal Shakespeare Company and has a been fixture of both stage and the small screen for over 30 years, having memorably appeared in Doctor Who, Minder, and most recently as Sister Morgan in Call the Midwife.

The original Michelle Fowler, Susan Tully, began in the role in 1985, and the character spent the next decade making one awful decision after another until she set off for America.

In her decade on the soap, Michelle caused trouble for practically everyone, with highlights including having a fling with best friend Sharon's father Den Watts (Leslie Grantham) and later feuding (and hooking up) with Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp).

Since leaving Albert Square in 1995, Susan Tully's retired from acting to become a successful director of TV hits Lark Rise to Candleford, The Musketeers and even EastEnders.